The Portland State University School of Music and Theater presents a concert honoring the songs of composer and lyricist Dave Frishberg.
Hosted by the Jazz Voice area, this special concert is in collaboration with students of the Theater Lighting and Design, and features Todd Marston on piano.
Dave Frishberg enjoyed a career remarkable for both its quality and its diversity. Long known as an outstanding pianist, Frishberg established himself as an internationally recognized composer and lyricist as well as a solo performer with a loyal following.
Early in his career, during the 1960s, he was a busy pianist in New York City, playing regularly with the major jazz artists of the time, including Ben Webster, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Carmen McRae, and Gene Krupa. In 1971 he moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a studio musician and stayed active in jazz circles. He recorded with a diverse array of artists, including Manhattan Transfer, Jimmy Rushing, Bud Freeman, Bill Berry's L.A. Band, Susannah McCorkle, Kenny Davern, and Rebecca Kilgore..
Frishberg became best known for writing and recording his own songs and performing them in prominent jazz and cabaret venues. His song credits include cult classics My Attorney Bernie, Van Lingle Mungo, Peel Me A Grape and You Are There. Four Frishberg albums earned Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Susannah McCorkle, Rosemary Clooney, Michael Feinstein, Diana Krall, Blossom Dearie, Carol Sloane, John Pizzarelli, Bob Dorough, Tony Bennett, Jamie Cullum, and Mel Torme. His songs, including the well-known I'm Just A Bill, appeared regularly on ABC's Schoolhouse Rock series.